The Calgary Public Library has renamed one of its branches in honour of a $1.5-million donation from a local family.

What was formerly the Alexander Calhoun Library in southwest Calgary is now the Giuffre Family Library, following the family’s generous gift, announced Saturday.

“The Giuffre family has deep roots in the community and we are delighted to honour them with this library naming,” said Janet Hutchinson, chair of the Calgary Public Library Board.

“Their investment will support free access to collections, programming and services across the city that will transform the lives of generations of Calgarians.”

The library, at 3223 14th Street S.W., was originally named after Alexander Calhoun, Calgary’s first chief librarian and the library’s longest-serving CEO.

“Since we came to Calgary from Toronto in 1955, our family has developed a love of reading,” said Joe Giuffre, who came to Calgary with his wife, Mary, as young parents with a child.

“Each of my children had an interest in a different subject. Their use of the Calgary Public Library’s world of information helped them achieve their goals. Through this investment, our family is honoured to contribute to a legacy of learning in the community.”

Later this year, the library will announce plans to continue to honour Calhoun’s legacy.

The donation comes as part of the Calgary Public Library Foundation’s Add In campaign. The $350-million campaign aims to enhance and support a system of libraries across the city.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi, right, and members of the Giuffre family attend the renaming of the Alexander Calhoun Library to the Giuffre Family Library Saturday March 24, 2018, after the family’s donation of $1.5 million.Leah Hennel /
Postmedia

Ellen Humphrey, president and CEO of the library foundation, said the financial gift will not just boost the renamed facility, but others across the city as well.

“The Giuffre family has made significant investment in our city and we are proud to have them join our family of Add In founding partners,” she said.

“One of the big strengths of libraries is the relationship that builds up between users of the library and the library itself. For the library, it’s a very generous gift that is going to help the library remain current and expand its programs and services not only in this location, but across the city.”

With the donation from the Giuffre family, the Calgary Public Library Foundation has surpassed $324 million on the way to its $350 million goal.

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